I've been getting my hair cut at Stranded Beauty Bar for over a decade, and I can honestly say Jason and the entire staff are incredible. Walking into this place feels more like visiting family than going to a salon. The ambience, the warmth, the conversations, the energy -- it's always welcoming and genuine. Jason's level of precision and consistency is unmatched. Every single time I sit down in his chair, he takes his craft seriously and delivers an exceptional cut. That kind of attention to detail and care is rare these days, and it's why I've stayed loyal for so many years. 10 stars if I could. Highly recommended to anyone looking for not just a great haircut, but an experience that actually makes you feel valued and at home. read more

I dont typically write reviews on yelp, but since moving back to my hometown it has been an absolute struggle to find a place as well-priced and with the level of skill Jason has. This is one of the first balayages Jason did for me and every time, without fail, I always left with the best color and haircut! From copper, to blonde, to brunette, he always took his time! There are many places with skilled individuals and people who will listen to what you want, but his execution is what I miss the most! Definitely visit stranded beauty bar! read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Jason is AMAZING!!! He nailed my blonde highlights I've been going to the same person for almost 30 years. Decided to stay local. I made the best possible choice in going to him. Super talented and professional. He knows his craft and I highly recommend. The salon has a great, welcoming vibe . read more

I last minute decided to get a haircut while in Santa Cruz and got Bryanna as my stylist. She was so attentive in hearing what I wanted and did a nice blowout on my hair after. Highly recommend her for women's haircuts - can't wait to come back! read more

Every time here is a pleasure, I have been coming for years and have never left feeling like I didn't receive world-class service with a genuine, friendly touch. Penni is gracious and accommodating, Michael is an AMAZING professional (I do not trust anyone else with my hair), and Jason is awesome, too. I refuse to go to another salon in Santa Cruz! The nicest setting, inside and out. read more

Jason is a master at his craft, and very effortlessly so. I explained to him what I was hoping for, and he matched exactly what I was envisioning. This salon is a very welcoming vibe and also priced extremely reasonably... I was paying double and triple in Los Gatos and Saratoga to be told what I wanted was not achievable. My hair has been on quite a transformation journey since I moved to Santa Cruz a few years ago, and I have to say I am finally happy with it =) read more

I love coming into Stranded! Relaxing studio that offers you tea/drinks right when you come in. Always so friendly and Jason gives a great bouncy cut! read more

Jason is a magician - great colorist and honest about what styles with work and flatter a person considering facial features and hair type. Been going to him for over 10 years! read more

Like many of us, I needed a haircut BADLY after a year of SIP, but my previous hair stylist moved to another state and I didn't know who to go to. Looked around Yelp, saw amazing reviews for this place. I called and got in with Jason. He is absolutely AMAZING! I didn't really know what I wanted, other than what I DIDN'T want (my mop of hair after giving myself a covid cut months back). I also told him I had an interview soon. He knew exactly what to do. The wash was fantastic and SO relaxing. I didn't realize how much I missed the salon until at that moment. He made great conversation, but also knew when I was just zoning out and let me be quiet (I'm still working on how to socialize again after so long LOL). I was already smiling as I watched my hair transform as he styled it. In the past I haven't always liked how hairstylists styled my hair after, but Jason nailed it! I feel like a regular already- I can't wait to go back for my next cut! Also great about Stranded is Penny, the person who set up my appointment and worked the counter when I was there. SO sweet and friendly. Just another reason to go back! I was SUPER happy about their covid safety practices, too. Masks on, sanitizing all chairs, keeping clients separate and air circulating through the shop. I felt really safe in there. Lastly, the location is fantastic. Plenty of street parking (a rare find in Santa Cruz), right next to a deli for a bite to eat after getting a haircut, and beautiful sunlight coming through. Such a relaxing and friendly experience. Highly recommended, can't wait to go back! read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Before (I cut my own hair during SIP and as you can see, it needed some LOVE) - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Jason is a nice guy, but a completely overrated stylist. My highlights came out thick, stripe-y and crude. He cut my bangs way too short IMMEDIATELY after we discussed what a huge problem it is for me. I went back to have my bang area color fixed, as there was a thick stripe of too blonde hair that was farther from the root than the rest. He added in a TON of lowlights which look grey; now it doesn't blend with the rest of my hair. Cried and cried. My hair wasn't perfect before, but now it's a total mess. I have no idea what to do, and I wouldn't let him try to fix it again anyway. So, so bummed. Super expensive too. read more

No words just look at this color. Mindy Palmer you genius I feel like a million bucks. Your talent is much appreciated. read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Look at this color. Mindy you are so good at this woman,I love you. No one makes me feel like a rockstar with hair like this, but youu! - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I've been coming here for a year now and I love it! Mindy is super sweet and very talented, I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted and tried a few different things but she fixed my color, had a vision for me, and a perfect job!! The place is very clean and professional. Penny the receptionist is a great communicator and always ready to help. read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Need to pick up a new date? Emily will get you your next girl/boy friend real quick. Professional, timely, and friendly she fixed my mane up in a jiffy. Definitely recommend. read more

Let me tell you about my hair when I walked in.....I hadn't seen a stylist in three years....THREE YEARS.....I slowly turned into a die hard box dye do it yourself fan...out of laziness and concerned about cost. Little did I know the amazing talents when you research the right stylist. Roxann didn't even know what she had coming. Poor sweet angel.....I should have warned the front desk person that Roxann should clear her schedule for the rest the day. Roxann looked at me like I was the "great world hair challenge competition" and took me on like a champ. I'm talking hair down to my ass with a 3 year old dye/bleach job. She had techniques that applied the bleach and lifted the color and made it look amazing. I walked out looking and feeling like a Victoria Secret model. read more

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I have been Jason's client for two years and I couldn't be happier with my hair. He has given me several excellent short styles and is now shepherding me through growing out the length to try some new looks. Jason is an expert colorist, always giving me the perfect shade and highlights. Each time I leave the salon with my hair looking chic and current and attractive. read more

Mindy is the best!! She not only gave me the color of my dreams but she saved my hair! I had previously lightened hair that felt very brittle/dry, Mindy revived my hair and got me to my dream color! It's been over 4 weeks after my appointment, and my hair still feels so soft and my color is still so great! I still can't believe I walked out with healthier looking hair then I walked in with, while going lighter! 10/10 experience!! Adding in that olaplaex treatment too, did wonders to my hair! Very excited for my next appointment. read more

Roxann has been doing my hair for 15+ years. She is the absolute best! I always look forward to the fun and friendly atmosphere at Stranded - and of course, the fabulous hair!!! Would definitely recommend Roxann, Jason, and their group of highly talented stylists to anyone looking for a great hair experience. read more

I've been to Stranded twice now and Roxann is the best stylist I've ever had. I have curly hair which other stylists have struggled with and she cuts it SO WELL. I've also gone to her for a keratin treatment and a wine-colored balayage, which both turned out exactly as I wanted. I highly recommend this salon. read more

I had my appointment booked last minute but it was so worth it. Mindy was super nice and she was able to turn my butchered box dyed hair into exactly what I wanted. read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Highlights - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

It's at times like this (2020 COVID-19 SIP) that you have time to reflect and realize how much you appreciate things that you otherwise might take for granted. One such example for me is being able to visit with Jason at Stranded and have him take care of my hair while engaging in some light hearted banter. I miss solving the problems of the world during our 40 minute chats. I feel that the world could use our counsel now more than ever and I know that I am in need of a trim. I'm sure that the world will get through the current health crisis as we all pull together as a community to support and keep each other safe. So along those lines remember to support your community businesses when they reopen. Call Jason the next time you're having a hair crisis. He will take very good care of you. Thanks Jason. Miss you bra! read more

Best place to get a haircut. Friendly staff, great environment and easy access. Jason always gives me a great cut!

I went to Mindy for my first EVER professional hair coloring. I wanted an ombré effect and highlights with blonde - $95. It's definitely a little pricey but when it comes to my hair, I'll pay it!! Mindy was super sweet and knowledgable. She took her time painting on each highlight for me, and overall I have a very natural lighter blonde look now. The salon has lots of fun energy, while still maintaining it's professional vibe. HINT! They serve mimosas on Saturdays!! If you ever want a little tiny escape from life, go to Stranded for excellent color and a mimosa to sip on! read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Before and after - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I wanted a pixie stat and knew from word of mouth that Jason is great with hair. On a whim, I checked to see if he had any appointments available and he had one that day. I lucked out. I have never had my hair cut by him before, I had never even met him before. I came in, he was super friendly, easy to talk to but not over chatty. He checked to make sure I wasn't having some kind of crisis- all good. I showed him a couple pictures, explained exactly what I liked about them, briefed him on my hair and let him go. He nailed it. 100%. I love my cut, love the service, nice salon. Great guy, now go get your haircut. read more

Ive been going to Roxann for my cut and color for five years now...she fixed my over-keratinized breaking hair and coaxed it back to healthy-ness. Not to mention I always feel like a movie star when I leave with awesome looking hair! read more

Before and after seeing Emily!! My hair was busted but now it's snatched ;) absolutely in love!! Thank you Emily!! read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - AFTER - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I have had absolutely amazing experiences here from several different people. First time I went in, Michael gave me a great cut--very clean, symmetrical, and flattering if I may say so myself. Second time I came in, I got paired up with Victoria who gave me an amazing cut & color! She transformed my blonde hair into a rich chocolate. When that started to fade I went back and she gave me an even darker, more dramatic brown, which again I totally loved! They also do great brow waxing, Roxanne especially! She's my go to person. She strikes the awesome balance between clean and maintenances yet natural looking. read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Cut & color by Victoria. (5/29) - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I have been going to Stranded Beauty Hair Salon for over 2 1/2 years. Roxann has completely restored and enhanced my hair. Roxann knew exactly how to work with my natural wavy hair and restore a previously botched hair cut, to creating an amazing color restoration. I woud have to say she is a true artist and takes pride in her work. I am fortunate to have found an amazing talented hair artist. I highly recommend this Salon! read more

Super cute big cut with Roxann. Lovely, and clearly knows how to deal with a head of curls!! read more

Stranded Beauty Bar - Hair Salons Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I have been living in the Santa Cruz area for seven years now. It took me five years to find Jason B, and what a blessing! Jason is passionate and talented beyond measure. The environment is welcoming and comfortable. Penny is an absolute doll and will more than likely greet you with a smile following up with an offer for a tasty beverage. I'm pretty particular when it comes to my hair and Jason always goes the extra mile, insuring that I am pleased. Hands down the best spot in Santa Cruz! Whether you are male or female you'll leave on cloud-9! Cheers! read more

This review is regarding Roxann's lack of professionalism and hair coloring talent, as well as Penny's lack of common sense and receptionist skills. After messing up on multiple levels, neither had the decency, courage, nor professional tact to sincerely apologize, let alone attempt to remedy the nightmare she (Roxann) caused. Let's start from the beginning. Roxann was late, yet again. She interrupted working on my hair, with no apology nor sincere regret, in order to go to her car and get an ipad for her son. Her pre-school aged old son was circling around her work area incessantly, loudly vocalizing his boredom. Penny was tending to him for a while, and then Roxann had to stop twice to manage him, in addition to chatting with his nanny. I thoroughly understand what it is to need to bring your child to work, and being tired, but it should never interfere with the integrity of the work you are doing. She was interrupted by other employees, and she seemed concerned about her day's schedule, which she looked at a few times inside her work station cabinet. Her lack of manners and consideration for my time, (in addition to my hoping for a nice hair color), were alarming. She seemed very apathetic and distracted the entire time. When all was said and done, Roxann left my once naturally very blond hair ORANGE. Imagine a cross between Molly Ringwald and Lucille Ball...orange. I had shown her a photo of the color I was hoping for prior to her starting the hair die mixing and application. It appears between all the interruptions, distractions, and abundant apathy, my hair was truly messed up. When I left, I had expressed how surprised (not pleasantly) I was by the color. She said the lighting in the salon made it look brighter than it really was. What?!?! You should have seen the looks I got from people on my way out of the shop and to my car. I had hideously orange hair! I called Stranded a couple hours after getting home. I asked Penny to have Roxann call me before she left the shop for the day. She gave me the endless run-around about talking with Roxann to find a remedy for this dilemma. At one point, Penny said, "I can't hold a gun to her head and make her call you!" WHAT?!?! Eventually, Roxann left me a horribly unfriendly, rude tone of voice message saying that "my eyes are in shock", and that she couldn't do anything about it until the middle of the following week (since it's her "policy" that a client must wait at least three days prior to having a coloring fixed). Yikes. My family heard her message and was shocked by her belligerent tone of voice and comments. She said I knew nothing about the "chemistry" of hair coloring, as if her customers must be some type of ignorant morons who don't deserve a reasonable explanation about mixing hair colors. So, hesitantly (and desperately), I scheduled for her to repair the botched color work she did on my hair four days later, the soonest she could get me in apparently. I had no idea how I was going to go out in public, let alone go to work with orange hair. I called my bank that night to place a "stop check" on the payment Roxann didn't deserve from me. Instead of being rude and looking for every excuse under the sun, she should have instead done what any other professional would do, ESPECIALLY if you call yourself the salon "owner". Why not just be reasonable and ask what she could have done to "make it right"? Insulting, rude, unprofessional attitude and comments are not called for, especially when I approached this problem from a place of patience, fairness, and rightful concern. How fortunate for everyone who have had a positive experience with her and Penny. Apparently, Gail (other reviewer), others who didn't leave reviews, and I did not have positive experiences. That's why I'd never trust them again with my hair (nor anything else, for that matter). The lovely lady who has cut my hair for many years was able to use a toner on my hair the next day, and save me from returning to work Monday morning with ghastly orange hair. read more

I would give 6 stars if I could. Jason gave me the rockstar haircut/color I was hoping for. I'm a guy with long curly/wavy thick crazy blonde/light brown hair and I've had so many bad haircuts in my life. I've also never colored my hair before but was ready to go for it. Jason recommended a chocolate brown color that wouldn't be too drastic, would match my skin tone etc. but still give me a cool look. Dude intuitively knew exactly what I was after and bam! - best haircut ever and rockin the dark brown locks! 101% happy! Oh yeah props to Penni for getting me in this week and taking good care of me from the moment I walked in. read more

Emily has been cutting my husband and my hair for 6+ years. I have especially difficult to cut, curly hair and I'm very particular as to how I want it cut. Emily is very talented at her craft and extremely patient with me. I am so thankful for Emily. read more

I've been seeing Emily M. for 10 years, and she is amazing; the BEST stylist I've ever had! I live in San Jose, but I faithfully drive to Santa Cruz every 6 weeks because Emily is that good! She is always on point with color and cutting & styling curly hair! You won't regret seeing her for your next hair appointment. She truly has an artistic eye and will work with you to make sure you look amazing and leave happy. read more

I wanted something romantically funky and that's exactly what Cindy did for me. Great conversation, wine in hand and I absolutely love my hair!! Everyone there was friendly and uber nice. I highly recommend this place! read more

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I have been going to Roxann for several years. I love the way she colors and cuts my hair. I always get compliments from people that they love the color of my hair. And that is why I continue to go to her. I know I will always get a high quality color and cut. I highly recommend Roxann to anyone looking for a stylist who listens, thinks outside of the box with styles and colors, and produces a high quality look for her customers. I truly think she's the best. read more

Wow, I just found this salon and I am in love. I decided to walk in and found an appointment availability with Emily, I am very pleased. She listened to my request and did exactly what I wanted (needed). I wanted a blunt cut on my long hair, I do not like the layered look. She also added a wonderful color along with some highlights - love love love it. I will refer her to my friends and family. Valentines day is coming up and I think that I will treat my mother. Devoted customer. Also, I am so glad that the stylists look and act professionally - not a pair of flip flops in the house. NC read more

Emily is my favorite ever. She is great with colors and curly hair and always manages to make my hair look fab while making the appointment a ton of fun. My hair was straw like when I first started seeing her from years of sun salt and chlorine. So much healthier and happier (even when dyed!!) then it was then. read more

Curly hair ladies you have found your salon!!! If you have a curly, unruly mane, you know that there are so many hairdressers who claim they know how to take care of you; then they get you in their chair and torture your poor scalp and lovely mane!! Not at Stranded!! Nioni is my goddess of tresses; she not only has embraced my very long very curly hair, but she has taught me to love and embrace it as well. I have seen so many hairdressers in the bay area and she is hands down the best hairdresser if you have curly, kinky or frizzy hair. Also if you have very long hair (which I do), she embraces it and will style and cut it anyway you want. Never pressure to cut to much; if you meet her you will know why. Nioni has the thickest, longest most eye-dropping natural strawberry blond curly hair you have ever seen in your entire life! She understands! Thank god for Nioni... I have a dream; in that dream Nioni lives in a closet in my bathroom and after every shower I pull her out and she styles my hair fabulously. If I ever become the multi-millionaire I am aspiring to be some day, she will be my personal hair dresser and all of the Stranded Beauty Bar customers will suffer. Go see her while you can.... :) I love everyone else at the salon as well...Penny always takes care of you with various libations and tea... laid back but top notch salon... read more

This is my first review ever - but I feel I owe it to all women to pass on a fantastic and talented hairstylist. Nioni is absolutely amazing. Truly, never a day goes by without someone complimenting my hair. Literally. It is healthy. Colored to perfection (amazing color that does NOT dull after two weeks.) A great cut that allows me to diffuse just a little. Great product recommendations that allow me to maintain between color and cuts. Nioni understands I want to grow it long and does not chop it all off and explain 500 reasons why I cannot have it long. I have not been loyal to a hairdresser for 20+ years since living in Los Angeles, yet I have returned to Nioni 4 times with the same consistent result. On top of all that she is funny, intelligent, passionate, and has a great voice if you can get her to sing. The salon itself is fantastic, Penny always calls back for appointments and scheduling, the other stylists are supportive and always seeking advice, prices are MORE then reasonable, clean, and somehow I have a Mimosa in my hand at some point. Curly hair sucks unless it is done right. And it is done right every time. There are far and few compliments a 46 year-old woman get on a daily basis, but every time my hair is complimented I say a little thanks to Nioni - but here is the public one! read more

I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical of all the RAVE reviews about this place, especially given that I have been less than impressed with my other Santa Cruz haircut experiences. Can I get a "Hallelujah!!!" for a salon that lives up to the hype? My appointment was on a Saturday afternoon, and the place was bumping: five or so stylists at work, several people sitting on the comfy couch/ chair setup in front, someone else paying at the desk. Even with the relative hub-bub, the woman behind the front desk greeted me promptly and politely asked me to take a seat while Gabriella finished up with her last client. She then asked me if I'd like anything to drink, which included everything from soda, beer, or the mimosas several other reviewers mentioned. I opted for a mimosa (it was still afternoon, after all) as did the woman next to me, and when they arrived she gave me a little toast! Apparently this *is* a beauty BAR. I like. People are so much more inclined to wait patiently when they have a giant stack of magazines AND a tasty beverage. Gabriella came to fetch me a few minutes later and spent the first couple minutes playing with my hair and asking me about what I wanted, then also offering her opinion about what would work, which I always like. Overall she was friendly without being overly chatty, confident about what she was doing, and as mentioned, she gives a wickedly nice massage with the shampoo! There was definitely a laid back, great vibe about the place, and all the haircut recipients seemed to be in good moods (perhaps because of the mimosas?). My haircut was $50, which seems to be about average for Bay Area salons, and given the all-around superb customer service here, it's clearly worth it. I have found my Santa Cruz salon!!! read more